3.2 lit instead of 3.0 lit motor

[car-nut]

Hello all:
I just got a 1980 Porsche 911 Targe. It is in excellent condition, and engine, despite it high mileage (143,000 miles), pulls very strong.
However, sooner or later the engine will quit (?!). In any case, can I put a 3.2 lit. engine instead of the current 3.0 lit? From what I gather, the 3.2 liter is a More rugged motor. Would it be a straight swap, or one would need conversion kit?
Regards,
Zack

[Bob Kontak]

Folks will probably argue either way. Each engine had a few soft spots from new.

You will play hell wearing the engine out if you maintain it and it is in good working order now.

Of course, anything can happen.

This guy's site is fun to read:

InstantG's Home Page

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by car-nut

Hello all:
I just got a 1980 Porsche 911 Targe. It is in excellent condition, and engine, despite it high mileage (143,000 miles), pulls very strong.
However, sooner or later the engine will quit (?!). In any case, can I put a 3.2 lit. engine instead of the current 3.0 lit? From what I gather, the 3.2 liter is a More rugged motor. Would it be a straight swap, or one would need conversion kit?
Regards,
Zack

A 3.2 would bolt in, but requires electrical and fuel system upgrades. Unless you were to buy a freshly (properly) rebuilt 3.2 a much better choice would be to rebuild the 3.0 you have to Euro (or better) specifications. Lot of different ways to go using what you have. Just tossing in 10.5:1 pistons, hotter cam, and a set of PMO's would get you in 3.2 HP territory...

[LJ851]

The rods don't fall off the 3.0 if it sees 7k rpm like the 3.2 does.

[TibetanT]

Zack
My SC has 250k miles with original 3.0L so 143k is not too bad

Did your car come with any service records? Check to see if head studs were done with top-end rebuild. Like others have said 3.0L is a great engine!

3.2L would require some modification to transmission for sensors but can be done.
Check into what Gary said about 98mm Euro setup!

[jasonlee]

A perfect opportunity to make a 3.2SS

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by car-nut

.......Halifax

Sounds like you will not be driving year around, right?

Let's say you don't take any long trips and only drive about 3,000 miles a year.

It will still be at least a decade before you start to wear out the engine, maybe two, maybe three.

This car may outlive you.

Don't worry, be happy.

Your "to do" list will make it's self, rest assured, you don't have to help it along.

Related thread:
So how many miles until you rebuilt your 3.2?

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by jasonlee

A perfect opportunity to make a 3.2SS

Indeed. A better engine than a regular 3.2.

[RWebb]

but is it better than a 3.4L SS?

if your plan is to just replace the motor when needed, I agree to just drive it a few more decades

if your plan is to hotrod a motor, then the 3.2L has better flowing heads, built-in chain tensioner improvements, etc.

[bh912e]

There is a torque difference which can be felt during driving..... Not sure why people never bring this up.....

[SiberianDVM]

143K is barely broke in. Just be good on your maintenance, and your kid will be the one debating the engine rebuild.

I just put my '84 3.2 on the dyno last week. Never been rebuilt with 235K miles on it, and it still maxed at 208.69 hp and 191.33 ft-lbs torque. They are amazing engines.

[RSBob]

Want to go faster? Pull out your AC, center consol, back seats, heater blower by back dating and replace stock seats with lighter after market and you will feel the difference. Want to spend some coin to get more power add SSIs and a sport exhaust. There are ways to go faster without breaking the bank

[car-nut]

Thanks a million for the positive comments and suggestions!
Zack